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Narqix Academy

Home Services Objection Handbook

HVAC & Home Services Appointment Setter, CSR, Dispatcher, Lead Qualifier Objections NQX-89

Purpose: Honest, calm answers to the objections home services callers raise most, so you can keep helping instead of freezing.

When to use: Any call or text where a customer hesitates about price, timing, trust or the decision.

Goal of the call: Answer the real concern once, clearly, and offer the next step. If they still say no, respect it and code it honestly.

Version: v1.0

Before you dial

  • Current fee sheet and credit rules (is the fee credited toward the repair?)
  • Maintenance plan benefits
  • Company facts approved to share: license number, years in business, reviews link, warranty highlights
  • Board open to offer real windows
  • This handbook open in a tab during your first month

The method: Hear, Help, Ask

Every answer in this handbook follows the same three steps.

  1. Hear: show you understood the concern. "That's a fair question." "I understand."
  2. Help: give one honest, simple reason or option. One, not five.
  3. Ask: offer the next step with a clear question. Usually the two windows again.

Why it works: the customer feels respected, gets a real answer, and has an easy way to say yes. If they still say no, you have done your job honestly.

Never do this: Never argue. Never answer the same objection more than twice. Never invent a discount, a deadline or a promise to win the booking. Never criticise a competitor. Never pretend to be someone you are not.

Price and fee objections

"Why do I have to pay just for you to come out?" (diagnostic fee)

You: That's a fair question. The fee covers a licensed technician coming to your home and doing a full diagnosis, so you know exactly what's wrong and exactly what it costs before you decide anything. (If credited:) And if you go ahead with the repair, (CREDIT RULE). Would the morning or the afternoon work better?

Why it works: it explains what they are paying for, not just that they must pay.

If they still decline: offer the maintenance plan if it reduces or waives the fee. Code UB-Fee and note their words.

"Can you just tell me the price over the phone?"

You: I really wish I could. Every system and every home is different, so any number from me would be a guess, and I don't want to give you a wrong one. The technician gives you the exact price before any work starts, and you decide from there. Can I get that booked for you?

If they say: "Just give me a range then."

Only share ranges if your client has approved them for specific jobs (for example a standard water heater install). Otherwise:

You: I understand. Honestly, repairs can range from small parts to bigger components, and I'd rather you get a real number than a guess. The diagnostic fee is the only cost until you approve a repair.

Code UB-PhonePrice if they do not book.

"I'll call around and compare." or "I'll call others first."

You: That makes sense, it's smart to compare. While you do, can I hold (WINDOW) for you? There's no cost to hold it, and if you find something better, just call or text us to cancel. That way you don't lose your spot.

If they say: "No, I'll call you back."

You: Of course. Would it be okay if I gave you a quick call later today if we haven't heard from you? Just so you don't lose the afternoon slots.

Set a follow-up with permission. Code UB-Shopping.

"Another company comes out for free."

You: I understand, and some companies do. Our technicians are licensed, they do a full diagnosis, and they give you an upfront price before any work, so there are no surprises later. (If credited:) And the fee goes toward the repair if you go ahead. Would you like to book?

Never say anything negative about the other company.

"That's too expensive."

You: I hear you. Can I ask, is it the diagnostic fee, or a price the technician quoted you?

If the diagnostic fee: use the fee answer above, plus the plan if it helps.

If a technician's quote:

You: I can't change the price myself, but I can have (ADVISOR NAME) call you to go over options, and we do offer financing if that would help. Would you like that call?

"Do you match prices?" or "Can you give me a discount?"

You: I'm not able to change prices myself. What I can do is pass this to (MANAGER NAME), who can look at your situation. (For members or plan offers:) Members also get (REPAIR DISCOUNT) off repairs, if that helps.

Route to the office or advisor. Never promise anything.

"It's under warranty, why should I pay?"

You: Good question. Manufacturer warranties usually cover parts, and labour depends on your coverage. The technician will check your warranty on site and tell you exactly what's covered before any work. (Then state your client's fee rule for warranty calls.)

Never promise coverage.

Timing objections

"I need someone today." or "That's too late."

You: I understand, nobody wants to wait with this. The earliest I have right now is (EARLIEST WINDOW). I can also add you to our cancellation list, and if anything opens up sooner, we'll call you right away. (If after-hours service is offered:) We also have emergency service tonight for (AFTER-HOURS FEE). Which would you prefer?

If the situation fits a higher priority tier (vulnerable people, extreme weather), check with dispatch. Never promise an overflow slot dispatch has not approved.

"Can you give me an exact time?"

You: I can't promise an exact minute, because the technician's earlier jobs can run long. What I can promise is the window, and the technician will text or call when they're on the way, about (MINUTES) minutes before.

"I can't be home during that window."

You: No problem. Is there another adult who could be there, or would an earlier or later window work? I have (OPTION 1) or (OPTION 2).

"The after-hours fee is too much."

You: I understand. If everyone is safe and comfortable tonight, I can book you first thing tomorrow at the regular fee. If anything changes, or anyone feels unwell, call 911 first and then call us. Would you like the morning slot?

Trust objections

"Are you a real person?" or "Where are you located?" or "Are you overseas?"

You: Yes, I'm a real person. I'm with (COMPANY NAME). We work with homeowners all over (MARKET), and the technicians who come to your home are local to your area. Now, let's get this sorted for you.

Why it works: a calm, quick answer that brings the call back to the customer's problem rarely loses a booking.

Coach's note: How you answer location questions depends on the client. Use the client's approved wording. Never mention your own country.

"Are you licensed and insured?"

You: Yes. (COMPANY NAME) is licensed in (STATE) (license (LICENSE NUMBER) if approved to share) and insured. I'm happy to text you our license number and our reviews.

Only share facts the client has given you.

"Last time your tech tried to sell me a whole new system."

You: I'm sorry it felt that way, and thank you for telling me. I'll note that you'd like a straightforward diagnosis and repair options first, with no pressure. Would you like me to ask the office manager to call you about last time as well?

Note it on the job. Route a complaint if they want one.

"Are you one of those storm chasers?" (roofing)

You: Fair question. (COMPANY NAME) is based in (CITY), licensed in (STATE), and has been working here for (YEARS) years. I can text you our license number and reviews right now so you can check.

Decision objections

"I need to talk to my husband or wife first."

Service call:

You: Of course. While you check with them, can I hold (WINDOW) for you? If it doesn't work, just text us to change it.

Estimate or roofing:

You: Absolutely, it's a big decision. Let's find a time when you're both home, so you only have to do this once. Would an evening or a Saturday work better?

"I'll think about it."

You: Of course. Can I ask, is there anything specific you're unsure about? Sometimes I can help with a quick answer.

If they share a concern, answer it once. If not:

You: No problem. Would it be all right if I followed up (DAY)?

"I'm renting." (landlord approval)

You: Thanks for telling me. Usually the owner or property manager needs to approve the visit. Do you have their contact, or would you like to check with them and call us back? I can note everything so it's quick next time.

Follow the client's renter rule. Code UB-Renter if not booked.

"I'll try to fix it myself first." or "Just sell me the part."

You: I understand. We only sell parts as part of a repair, so the technician can make sure it's the right fix and it's done safely. If it doesn't work out, call us and we'll get you in quickly.

Never guide DIY work, especially gas, electrical or refrigerant. Code UB-DIY.

Membership objections

"I only call when something breaks."

You: That makes sense, a lot of people do. The tune-ups are there to catch small problems before they become a breakdown on the hottest or coldest day. Completely your choice.

"It's not worth the money."

You: I understand. Just so you have the numbers, it's about (DAILY COST) a day, and on today's repair alone it would save about (SAVINGS AMOUNT). No pressure at all.

Roofing and insurance objections

"Can you cover my deductible?"

You: No, we can't. Covering or waiving a deductible is illegal in many states, and we don't do it anywhere. What you'll get from us is an honest inspection and a clear, itemized estimate.

"Will this raise my insurance rates?"

You: That's a great question for your insurance agent, since every policy is different. The inspection doesn't file anything. It just shows you whether there's damage worth discussing.

"Will insurance pay for my roof?"

You: That's always the insurance company's decision after their adjuster sees it. We document everything clearly with photos so you have the facts.

"Just give me a ballpark for a new roof."

You: I wish I could, but roofs vary a lot with size, steepness, layers and materials, so I'd be guessing. The inspection is free, and you'll get a written, itemized price.

Difficult moments

The caller is angry
  1. Let them finish. Do not interrupt unless there is a safety issue.
  2. Acknowledge: "I'm really sorry. I can hear how frustrating this has been."
  3. Take ownership of the next step: "Here's what I'm going to do right now."
  4. Offer a manager callback if you cannot fix it: "I'd like (MANAGER NAME) to call you today. What's the best number?"
  5. Never argue, never blame the technician, never promise a refund.
The caller uses abusive language

You: I want to help you, and I can't do that if the conversation continues like this. Can we start again? (If it continues:) I'm going to end this call now. A manager will call you back.

End the call, note exactly what was said, and tell your team lead and the office manager.

The caller mentions a lawyer, a lawsuit or a regulator

You: I understand. I'm going to make sure a manager gets this today. What's the best number for them to reach you?

Do not discuss the issue. Escalate immediately to the office manager and your Narqix team lead.

Coach's note: Most objections are not a no. They are a question in disguise: "Is this worth it?", "Can I trust you?", "Do I have to decide now?" Answer the hidden question, then make the next step easy. And when it really is a no, a warm goodbye keeps the door open for the next time their system breaks.

Objections

This page is the master objection reference for the HVAC and Home Services scripts. Each script's Objections table links back here.

After the call

(DATE) (TIME) local · (YOUR NAME) · Objection noted

Objection: (customer's exact words)

Response given: (which answer you used)

Outcome: booked, follow-up set (DATE), or unbooked with reason code (CODE)

Check yourself

  1. What are the three steps of Hear, Help, Ask?
  2. How many times do you answer the same objection before respecting the no?
  3. A caller asks where you are located. What do you say?
  4. Which reason code do you use when a caller will not book without a phone price?
  5. A homeowner says they will try to replace the gas valve themselves. What do you say?
Answers
  1. Hear the concern, Help with one honest reason or option, Ask for the next step.
  2. No more than twice.
  3. Answer with the client's company and market, using the client's approved wording, for example: "I'm with (COMPANY NAME). We work with homeowners all over (MARKET), and our technicians are local to your area." Never mention your own country.
  4. UB-PhonePrice.
  5. You do not guide DIY gas work. Say the technician can make sure it is done safely, offer to book, and if they smell gas at any point, follow the gas safety steps.

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